“The arrest of Pastor Evan Mawarire appears to be a well calculated plan to intimidate him and other activists ahead of the national shutdown organised for tomorrow in an attempt to supress the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,†said Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa.
“Some 300 people have been arrested for participating in the peaceful protests in different parts of the country since they started last week. Instead of suppressing dissenting voices, Zimbabwean authorities should be listening to protesters like Evan Mawarire. They have a right under Zimbabwe’s constitution and international treaties ratified by Zimbabwe to express themselves, peacefully protest and defend their rights.â€
Background
Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested Pastor Evan Mawarire on 12 July, after summoning him to the Criminal Investigation Department at Harare Central Police Station.
He has been charged with incitement to commit public violence under the Criminal Law Act ahead of the national shutdown between 13 and 14 July 2016 against “corruption†and the declining economy.
About 300 people were arrested for protesting in different parts of the country after last week’s national shutdown.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Robert Shivambu, Media Manager – Amnesty International – Southern Africa on +2711 283 6000 or +27 83 437 5732 or robert.shivambu@amnesty.org